Each month Trail Manager, Emily Galka, highlights flora and fauna that she observes in the Goethe State Forest that surrounds the Black Prong Resort. Goethe State Forest Species of the Month: Pygmy Rattlesnake
When I first started working in the Goethe, I wanted to know all the venomous snakes I might run into, and I quickly realized they were everywhere. Last summer seemed to be the season for snakes, while this year the alligators have been more active, though I’ve still seen plenty of snakes. Within just a few months, I had already encountered all four venomous species found here—the Eastern Diamondback, Coral Snake, Water Moccasin, and the Pygmy Rattlesnake.
While the first three are well-known, the pygmy is talked about the least but is actually the one you’re most likely to be bitten by. These snakes aren’t aggressive, but because they’re only about two feet long, often curled up, and perfectly camouflaged, they’re easy to overlook and quick to strike if stepped on.
The first one I saw was curled up outside Cypress Barn, a cool gray with dark spots down its back and a thin orange line running the middle. There are three pygmy rattlesnake subspecies in the Southeast, but Florida is home to the Dusky Pygmy Rattlesnake. Adults carry a tiny rattle that grows a new segment with each shed, while juveniles have bright yellow tails they wiggle as lures for prey. Their venom is strong enough to kill small animals or even pets, but there are no documented cases of them killing a person.
They favor pine flatwoods and the edges of cypress swamps—which means they can be found throughout the Goethe—so while these little snakes just want to be left alone, it’s always smart to look before you step.
Emily Galka (shown with her horse Lisa) is Black Prong’s Trail Riding Manager and resident naturalist.
